Bankura is a culturally and historically rich district in West Bengal. Boasting of some fascinating architectural buildings and equally rich art and sculptures, Bankura has always amazed tourists with its versatility. Terracotta temples, dense forests, hills, rich flora and fauna makes Bankura a lucrative destination for all tourists. History and nature lovers have much to keep them engaged here. It is a perfect getaway for those seeking some break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here is a list of places you can visit during your stay in Bankura.

Located in southern Bengal in the north-western part of Bankura district is the 1500 feet Susunia Hill. Boasting of rich flora and fauna, the entire place is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You will come across towering trees and medicinal plants. It is a popular destination for rock climbers and mountaineers, novice and experts alike. During winter there are treks and camps organized for the interested tourists and it is beautiful. The lush greenery offers a welcome break for the city dwellers. An artistically curved monolith statue known as Narasimha Stone is found atop Susunia hill and has fresh water stream flowing out of it.

When in Bakura you cannot possibly miss the chance of paying a visit to the birthplace of Sree Ma Sarada Devi, wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. She is revered and worshipped by followers of Sri Ramkrishna and the Holy Mother. You will come across a temple, Matrimandir that is dedicated to her and has people visiting all through the year. Ma Sarada needs little introduction among people of Bengal who hold her in high regard and worship her in their homes. Joyrambati draws large number of people who visit the village to see the humble beginnings of the Holy Mother.

This is a beautiful terracotta temple in Bankura known as Jorbangla Temple, also referred to as Yorubangla Temple. It dates back to 1655AD and was built by Raghunath Singha Dev II. The intrinsic carvings on the walls and ceilings are spell binding and the architecture of the roof and walls follow the famous Chala style. The Chala style has four triangular curved pieces that meet at one single point and create quite a unique roof structure. It reflects the structure of traditional thatched roofs of huts in the countrysides.

Located a mere 34 km from Bankura is the extremely famous Bishnupur town. It is popular for its stunning terracotta temples, art and music. The detailed terracotta works that you find here are among the best in the eastern region and continue to stand tall over centuries. It is equally popular for Baluchari sarees that are woven here, across the country. The town boasts of rich cultural past and skillful artists who have created masterpieces and continues to remain a hub of terracotta work.

Mukumonipur is another popular weekend getaway for the people of Bengal and is located in the Bankura district. It lies at the confluence of Kangsabati and Kumari rivers and shares border with Jharkhand. There is a beautiful dam which is one of the chief attractions of the place and the dam is said to be the second largest dam in the country. The tranquility and serenity of Mukutmonipur is intoxicating and has a large number of people flocking the town looking for some respite from city life.

Lalji Temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna was built by Malla ruler Bir Singha. It has a shikhara and is built on a raised platform. It is reminiscent of the architectural style that is popular all over Bengal and has ornamental stucco decorations. It is worth a visit. in front of the temple, one comes across a dancing hall and there is a tower in the west that is dedicated to Raghunath. In the outer yard there is a small Panchratna temple that is dedicated to Kameshwar Siva. You will find two rathas here, one for Lord Lalji and the other for Raghunatha, which are taken out during Dussehra procession.

Built-in the late 17th century in Ekaratna style is the famous Madanmohan Temple. The temple has a flat roof, pinnacle on the top and curved cornices. This is one of the oldest and most ornamental terracotta temples in Bishnupur. Stories from the Mahabharata, Puranas and Ramayana are sculpted on the walls and ceilings of the temple. it is a big Eka-Ratna temple compared to the other terracotta temples that you come across in Bankura. The roof is like the 'Chala' style popular in this part of the country. The original deity of the temple was brought from a village in Bengal and installed here.

Jhilimili is also referred to as ‘Darjeeling of South Bengal.’ Located about 70 km from Bankura, it is located at the border of Midnapur, Purulia and Bankura. There is a hillock and dense lush forests that make the place breathtakingly beautiful. It is a treasure trove of natural beauty and with Kangsabati flowing through the forest, it makes its bank a lucrative picnic spot. There is a watchtower here which you can climb to get a view of the surrounding landscape.

The twin villages of Hadal and Narayanpur are located on the banks of River Bodai. Here you find the extremely popular Mandal family terracotta temples. They are home to some of the most ancient and finest terracotta temples of Bengal. The place is an hour and a half drive from Bankura. They consist of Chhototaraf, Barataraf and Mejotaraf temples. They are beautiful creations and worth a visit. the twin villages are located on the banks of River Bodia and the drive is a beautiful one surrounded by charming countryside and scenic beauty.

This is a terracotta gateway also referred to as Chota Patthar Darwaja or Small Gateway of Bishnupur located near Bishnupur in Bankura. It was built during the rule of the Malla kings. Garh Darwaja overlooks the Lalji Temple and is an arched structure that does not have a highly ornamental exterior. It is stunning to look at and tourists can also treat themselves to lovely terracotta pottery, jewellery and artifacts. You can also pick up Baluchari saree from near this site. As the Archeological Survey of India does not protect the gateway it is not as well maintained as it should have been.